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How big do they get?
14”-16” at the shoulder, 18-25 lbs
Do they shed?
Yes,
twice a year. Usually Spring and Fall – LOTS! (their undercoat) Light shedding may occur year round. No, they are not
hypoallergenic although they do not develop doggie odour like some breeds.
Are they good off-leash?
No, generally Shibas are not known
for their off-leash skills. They were bred to hunt and flush out small game. A securely fenced yard is required.
If you are looking for an off-leash companion, this may not be the breed for you.
Are they good with
kids?
Yes, but the children
(especially the very young ones) need to be taught to treat the puppy gently and with respect. Playtime should be monitored.
A bad experience with kids (being dropped, tortured in a corner all afternoon, etc.) can make any dog apprehensive. If the
puppy is not going to be raised in a home with children it is still important to socialize them around nieces, nephews and
neighbourhood children so they become accustomed to them.
Are they good with
cats?
Yes, when raised with
them. It is much easier to introduce a puppy to an adult cat than the other way around. The cat can hold its own and a swat
on the nose is usually all it takes to let the puppy know who is running the show. Introducing a cat or kitten to an adult
Shiba can be more difficult if they have not previously lived with one.
Can they be
trained?
Yes. Social skills
and housetraining come very easily. Formal obedience can be more of a challenge. Consistency and patience is required. Brains,
not brawn, will find success with this breed. They are very intelligent.
How much exercise
do they need?
Quite a bit,
especially when they are young. This breed would not do well when confined to an apartment. They will find destructive things
to do if they do not have an outlet for their energy. They do enjoy “down time” and snuggle time, too.
Do I really need my registration papers?
It doesn’t matter if you need them or not. When buying a dog represented as purebred you are entitled to CKC
registration papers by law, without being asked to pay extra for them.
What is the
difference between a pet and show quality puppy?
Quite often, nothing. Many pups placed in pet homes would do very well in the show ring. Sometimes a puppy placed
in a pet home may not be exactly the look that the breeder desires or it may have a minor show fault (over/under bite, light
coloured eye, etc.). The difference is the terms under which you purchase the dog. Pet pups are sold on a non-breeding contract
meaning the dog cannot be bred and usually must be spayed or neutered as stipulated in your breeders’ supplementary
contract. Show or Breeding dogs are sometimes put on a non-breeding contract at the time of purchase and the breeder will
most likely have certain requirements that need to be completed before it is lifted.
What can I expect
to pay? Usheens Companion pups are $1200. Puppies are CKC registered, tattooed, vet checked and have first vaccines and deworming.
Our contract offers a three year health guarantee. “You Get What you Pay For” is quite often sound advice when
looking for a companion that could be a part of your family for 15 or more years.
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